New operator starts by cancelling trains

The new era for Melbourne's embattled public transport system has dawned with an old and all too familiar message - train cancelled.

French-owned Connex Trains and Yarra Trams handed over the reins to Hong Kong-based consortium Metro Trains Melbourne and French-owned tram operator Keolis at 3.01am (AEDT) on Monday.

Almost immediately, Metro must have begun to realise just how difficult their eight-year contract could prove to be.

On their first morning on the job they had to cancel more than a dozen services.

At least Victorian Premier John Brumby wasn't fazed.

He said he had "full confidence" in the new operators to deliver a better service.

"You're not going to see changes overnight," he told reporters.

"KDR and Metro took over the system at 3.01 this morning. They understand the challenge, will meet the challenge and I am confident you will see improvements in public transport over the course of the year.

"That's going to mean more trains, more resources, more maintenance and more services."

In recent years, commuters have grown increasingly dissatisfied with the service.

The lowest point was last January's heatwave when commuters had to endure the cancellation of 85 per cent of rush-hour services, due to breakdowns and failed air conditioning.

The government fined Connex a record $11.2 million and did not renew its contract.

The new Myki ticketing system has been delayed for three years and a recent government survey found passengers' biggest concern was travelling at night.

Metro runs Hong Kong's highly-rated train network and its chief executive Andrew Lezala admitted Melbourne's first day blues were not a great start.

"Today is an illustration of why investment is necessary," he told reporters.

"We are focusing on customer services, investing in a lot more staff and information systems so people are better informed, investing in the reliability of rolling stock and infrastructure, safety and personal security."

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said there was reason for optimism with the new operators promising more staff and 38 new trains.

"The government should be pushing for a world class train system where you never have to look at a timetable and any time you are travelling you can arrive at a platform and be going in a few minutes," he told reporters.

Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu urged the new operators to address overcrowding and delays which, he said, were commuters' main frustrations.